10th Annual Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk, September 30 at Coca-Cola Field

October is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month and the Down Syndrome Parents Group of Western New York will continue its mission of education, support and celebration with a very special 10th Annual Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk, Saturday, September 30th at Coca-Cola Field (11:00 a.m.).

Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition in newborns in the United States, occurring in approximately one in every 700 babies. But while most people with Down syndrome have a mild to moderate cognitive or intellectual disability, the condition cannot and should not overshadow the many strengths and talents these individuals possess.

The Step up For Down Syndrome Walk aims to educate, support and celebrate those individuals and those families with Down Syndrome. The event runs from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Coca-Cola Field, beginning with a one-mile walk through the Harbor Center, led by the Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts, Arts-Tech Marching Band. Afterwards, all are welcome to stay in the Coca-Cola Field CF Pavilion area to enjoy great food, fun arts & crafts and games, a photo booth, raffles and educational information. There will also be special performances by individuals with Down syndrome as well as music by The Strictly Hip.

Anyone is welcome to attend the event, including day of walkups. Cost is only $10 per person and includes a free lunch. Contact Amy Monson at amonson23@gmail.com or (716)-677-0604 for more information.

The Down Syndrome Parents Group of Western New York is a 501c3 non-profit organization which was formed in 1987 by a group of parents whom connected through the common bond of parenting children born with Down syndrome. Since its inception, the group has supported hundreds of families in and around the Western New York area while promoting awareness of Down syndrome, and acceptance of individuals born with Downs. Through a series of annual events which have become a yearly tradition for many families in the area, DSPGWNY has continually expanded awareness of Down syndrome while enriching the lives of the many people whom have taken part.

For more information, visit DSPGWNY.com any questions or contact the group at (716) 832-9334.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Defending Hope benefit set for Sept. 30

Join the Rochester Red Wings, Brass Bar and Lounge, QES Solutions, and the Alzheimer’s Association Rochester and Finger Lakes Region Chapter for “Defending Hope” Saturday, September 30.

Please join us for an evening full of fun while we raise money and celebrate the efforts of our local Alzheimer’s Association chapter.

Your evening will be hosted by former Rochester Red Wing Logan Darnell, whose personal family connection to Alzheimer’s prompted him to organize several high profile awareness and fundraising events during his time as a Red Wings player. Logan’s efforts for the Alzheimer’s Association Rochester and Finger Lakes Region Chapter were recognized with two Harmon Killebrew Awards for Community Service from the Minnesota Twins.

What: Defending Hope to benefit Alzheimer’s Association Rochester and Finger Lakes Region Chapter

Hosted by: Former Red Wings pitcher Logan Darnell

When: Saturday Sept. 30, from 6-10 p.m.

Where: Brass Bar and Lounge, 363 East Ave. at the corner of Alexander St.

Donation: $20 cash at the door, be sure to arrive early and assure your spot at this great event

Your evening will include:

* live music by Worthy Duncan and Brianna Collichio

* Heavy apps will be served

* Guest bartenders just may appear

* Cash bar with drink specials

* Silent auction and raffle prizes

Auction items available for bid include:

* Autographed guitar and gift bag from country music star Thomas Rhett

* Red Wings Honorary Bat Kid experience for a 2018 home game

* Red Wings VIP behind the scenes tour with VIP parking, four seats behind home plate, and dinner for a 2018 home game

* Autographed items from sports stars and entertainment celebrities

and many more unique experiences and items, to benefit tour local Alzheimer’s Association chapter.

Click here for the official Facebook event page and let your friends know you are supporting this special event and cause!

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

SI Yankees honor Eric Rosen and Hungerford School for HOPE Week

STATEN ISLAND- Introduced in 2009 and heading into its ninth year in 2017, the New York Yankees’ HOPE Week initiative (Helping Others Persevere & Excel) is rooted in the fundamental belief that acts of goodwill provide hope and encouragement to more than just the recipient of the gesture. The Staten Island Yankees adopted the parent club’s initiative in 2011 and carry the tradition into 2017 for a seventh season. Beginning on Thursday, Aug. 31, Staten Island Yankees players, front office staff and Scooter the Holy Cow will recognize the efforts of an outstanding individual in the community as well as showing support to groups around us in need. Below is the schedule of events for the Staten Island Yankees HOPE Week:

Thursday, Aug. 31: Eric Rosen is an honorary Staten Island Yankee for a day.

Eric Rosen was diagnosed with autism as a child, but with the help of his mother Ilene, he never let that slow him down. Now at the age of 32, Eric is graduate of St. John’s University, has two shows on Community Television, “The Blitz Zone” and “Eric’s View”, works at Eden II Programs, and serves as a role model for those learning to live with autism. Eric will join the Baby Bombers for their doubleheader against the Connecticut Tigers as an honorary Staten Island Yankee for a day. See below for Eric’s bio.

Friday, Sept. 1: Richard H. Hungerford School takes a trot around the bases for Home Run for Life.

The Hungerford School for students with special needs helps students develop to their maximum potential and functional levels by providing them with essential social, emotional, language, technological and academic skills. As part of a long-standing relationship with the Hungerford School and the Staten Island Yankees, students come to the ballpark several times a week throughout the year to assist with mailings, stadium clean-up and other miscellaneous tasks. During the Staten Island Yankees game against the Connecticut Tigers, the Baby Bombers will recognize the students with an in-game Home Run for Life.

More about HOPE Week: At its core, HOPE Week is about people helping people. The one thing everybody has – no matter where they come from, what their financial situation is or what kind of skills they possess – is time. By involving players and front office staff during the celebration of HOPE Week, the entire New York Yankees organization is sending the message that everyone can give of themselves to make our community a better place. For more information about HOPE Week, visit hopeweek.com.

The Staten Island Yankees are the Single A-Short Season Affiliate of the New York Yankees and play at the Richmond County Bank Ballpark at St. George. The Staten Island Yankees are six-time New York-Penn League Champions (2000, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2009 and 2011). For more information, visit siyanks.com.

***

Born on August 16, 1985, Eric Rosen appeared as healthy and as normal a child as any other. Unbeknownst to both his doctors and parents, he was not. As with most children born within the autism spectrum, Eric displayed normal cognitive functions until about his second year, when he began to slowly withdraw and shut himself away from his family and the world. Once he was diagnosed, his parents, most notably his mother, Ilene, went to work immediately to find everything available to help her son. At that time, resources were even less accessible than they are today, but if it existed, Ilene would find it and make sure that Eric would make good use of it. She was determined to help her son overcome this baffling and life changing disorder. As his parents soon found out, autism has just as much a profound effect on the families of those afflicted as it does on the person who is diagnosed.

Eric was enrolled at the Volunteers of America – Early Learning Center in Tottenville at the age of three. With the dedicated help of the entire staff, Eric began to take his first steps out from under this cloud that enveloped him. Physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and the learning of basic life skills, were many of the regimens that started early and continued throughout his young life. Along with school came many extra-curricular forms of stimulus such as On Your Mark, the JCC, additional private tutoring that included speech and occupational therapy, and a program called Parents as Partners given by a young autism advocate and the future Executive Director of the Eden II programs, Joanne Gerenser. It was an important time for Eric, as he was beginning to show positive progress that came as a result of hours and hours of hard work and dedication from all of those who contributed to his therapies as well as his family and of course, Eric himself.

As the years progressed, Eric began to exhibit a higher level of cognition than anyone had expected, which led to the decision to send him into the Staten Island public school system. At first, Eric had a difficult time adjusting to the public school setting, but in time, he adapted well and began to flourish. Graduating from P.S 4 to P.S 36 to I.S 7 it came time to decide on a high school. It was apparent that Eric had exhibited both a high enough level of academic prowess and appropriate behavioral skills to qualify him for a unique program called REACH, given at Xaverian High School in Brooklyn.

The way he performed there made it apparent that attending college was a definite possibility. During his time in high school, Eric had been a member of the orchestra, the varsity swim team, the model U.N., and ultimately graduated in the top ten of the entire senior class. He received an award for academics at their graduation ceremonies at Brooklyn College and was ultimately accepted at St. John’s University with an academic scholarship. While at St. John’s, Eric worked in the Student Life office, joined a fraternity, acted in their theater group, The Stagers, and continued his academic achievements by graduating Magna Cum Laude with a B.S. in Political Science.

Today, Eric works in the Human Resources Department at Eden II Programs. Eric is thrilled to have his own sports show “The Blitz Zone” and another show called “Eric’s View” on CTV (Community Television) and is hoping some day to be a co-host on a sports show on ESPN. His achievements have been truly remarkable and by overcoming so many challenging obstacles, Eric stands as an example of hope and unlimited potential to all whose lives have been so profoundly affected by autism.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

ValleyCats to donate portion of ticket sales to American Red Cross for disaster relief in Texas

TROY, NY – The Tri-City ValleyCats have announced that they will be donating $1.00 of each ticket sold between Monday, August 28 and Saturday, September 1 to the American Red Cross for Hurricane Harvey disaster relief in Texas.

The ValleyCats are a Class-A minor league affiliate of the Houston Astros, who have been particularly affected by severe flooding in and around the Houston, Texas area. The Corpus Christi Hooks, a Double-A affiliate of the Astros, have also been severely affected.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those currently dealing with the horrendous situation in Texas, including the entire Houston Astros organization, those with the Corpus Christi Hooks, their friends, family, and fans,” said Matt Callahan, ValleyCats General Manager. “We stand by them during this tough time, and want to do what we can to assist in the ongoing relief efforts.”

There are currently four members of the ValleyCats roster who call Texas home, including pitcher Corbin Martin, who is from Houston and has family members dealing with the severe flooding. ValleyCats outfielder Corey Julks, who played at the University of Houston, is from nearby Friendswood, Texas, and also has close family and friends affected.

“Our hearts go out to the thousands of people affected by this catastrophic disaster in Texas”, said Kevin Coffey, American Red Cross Eastern NY Regional Chief Development Officer. “The Red Cross has launched a massive response to this devastating storm and needs financial donations to be able to provide immediate disaster relief. We know this is a challenging and emotional time, and Red Cross staff and volunteers are working around the clock to get help to where it is needed most.”

The ValleyCats have five more home games in the 2017 regular season, and tickets can be purchased online at tcvalleycats.com, by calling 518-629-CATS (2287), or at the Joseph L. Bruno Stadium Box Office. You can also help people affected by Hurricane Harvey by visiting redcross.org, calling 1- 800-RED CROSS or texting the word HARVEY to 90999 to make a make a $10 donation.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

SUNDAY: Back to School Day features Celery Lunch Bag Giveaway

Kids, we know you don’t like to see summer come to an end. All that homework… getting up early every day… yuck!

But listen, we’ve got one more awesome afternoon for you at the ballpark. And we’ll even give you something that can make all your friends jealous at lunch time!

The Bisons will host Back to School Day at the ballpark on Sunday, August 20 with a 1:05 p.m. game against the Gwinnett Braves. Get to the ballpark early though as the first 3,000 fans through the Inspire Dental Gate at Swan St. will receive a very cool Celery Lunch Bag Giveaway, compliments of New York’s 529 College Savings Program (Gates 12:00 p.m.).

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

Sunday’s game is also the final Kids Club Sunday of the season. One last chance to enjoy a beautiful afternoon at the ballpark! It’s also the final time kids get to Run the Bases postgame, compliments of Tim Horton’s.

Time is running out on the summer. So, before you have to hit the books, get to the ballpark for Back to School Day and snag yourself a Celery Lunchbag!

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Four Young Community Stars Named Staten Island Yankees/Con Edison Kids

NEW YORK- Four Staten Island youths who demonstrate leadership and concern for their community are the 2017 Staten Island Yankees/Con Edison kids.

The students were honored Thursday at the first Staten Island Yankees/Con Edison Kids recognition night at Richmond County Bank Ballpark at St. George. The ceremony took place before the game against the Connecticut Tigers.

The honorees are: Julia Hart, 15, Isaiah Terry, 15, Triniti Jackson, 11, and Sean Gomez, 13.

“This program honors young people who excel in the classroom by getting good grades and in the community by donating their time for good causes,” said Will Smith, president and operating partner for the Yankees. “We thank Con Edison and look forward to honoring elite young Staten Islanders for years to come.”

The ballpark crowd acknowledged the winner with applause as their images flashed on the screen in center field while they stood on the field. The children and their parents then watched the game – a 4-0 Yankees victory – from a luxury suite.

“I think it is a pretty big accomplishment, and I’d like to thank Con Edison for naming me a 2017 Staten Island Yankees/Con Edison Kid,” said Sean Gomez. “I feel like I accomplished something significant and it has me feeling proud.”

Community organizations from across the Island nominated youths who exhibit leadership, sportsmanship, and volunteerism. The nominees also had to have a grade point average of B or better.

“Having quality volunteers like Julia and Isaiah is critical for our organization to sustain our mission,” said Heather Butts, executive director and co-founder of Health, Education, Academics, Life Skills, Training, and Help (HEALTH) for Kids. “Volunteering is important to the kids because the opportunity to beautify their enviroment gives them gratification.”

Additional information about the impressive honorees:

  • Julia Hart is a volunteer with HEALTH for Youth. As part of a gardening project this summer, she designed a model for an irrigation system.
  • Sean Gomez is a vice president with the Staten Island NAACP Youth Council and has represented the council at three state and two national conventions. Sean has won gold, silver and bronze medals in track and bowling while representing Staten Island at regional and state Special Olympics competitions.
  • Triniti Jackson is a leader of the NYC Parks Staten Island Recreation Robotics Team, inspiring her teammates, who participated in their first robotics competition this past year.
  • Isaiah Terry also volunteers with HEALTH for Youth. He has participated in park clean-ups and gardening projects. He takes his passion for volunteerism to school, where he participates in community service projects.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Muckdogs Announce Youth Baseball Clinic

Join us at Dwyer Stadium August 30th for our youth baseball clinic!

Kids ages 6-14 will receive a day of on-field instruction from the Muckdogs players and coaches on August 30th from 9 am – 1 pm. Children will learn from the pros in the areas of hitting, fielding, pitching, catching, base running and bunting. Then later that evening, campers will be able to come back to Dwyer for a private autograph signing with the team 30 minutes before the gates open (5:30 pm) and then be recognized on the field prior to the Muckdogs game vs. the Mahoning Valley Scrappers (Cleveland Indians affiliate).

Campers will also receive a special t-shirt not available in the team store, a clinic photo, two tickets to the August 30th game, as well as lunch, all for only $40. Registration forms are available at Dwyer Stadium and online at muckdogs.com. Space is limited and all registrations and payments must be turned in by Monday, August 21st. 

Download registration form here. 

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

VALLEYCATS PARTNER WITH SLIDIN’ DIRTY ON HOME RUN DERBY TO BENEFIT THE MICHAEL J. FOX FOUNDATION

TROY, NY – The Tri-City ValleyCats have partnered with local restaurant Slidin’ Dirty to host the ‘Slidin’ Dirty Derby,’ a home run derby contest featuring multiple fundraising opportunities to benefit the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

The charitable home run derby will take place prior to the New York-Penn League All-Star Game on Tuesday, August 15 at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium in Troy. There will be eight participants, and the event will be timed similar to the MLB Home Run Derby.

One of the derby spots will be auctioned off online to one lucky fan, and that person will join six of the top home run hitters in the New York-Penn League, along with Slidin’ Dirty employee Josh Goodbred.

Slidin’ Dirty will donate $10 for each home run hit during the contest, and 60 on-field passes will be sold online for fans to stand in the outfield and catch the balls not hit over the fence. Fans must have a ticket to the New York-Penn League All-Star Game to be eligible.

All of the proceeds from the Slidin’ Dirty Derby will benefit the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, which funds an aggressive agenda aimed at developing improved therapies for those living with Parkinson’s disease.

To bid on a spot in the derby, or purchase an on-field pass, visit tcvalleycats.com/allstargame

The New York-Penn League All-Star Game will feature some of the top talent in short-season professional baseball, many of whom will reach the major league level. Gates open at 4:00 p.m. for the All-Star Game festivities, and tickets are available online at tcvalleycats.com/allstargame, by phone at 518-629-CATS (2287), or at the Joseph L. Bruno Stadium Box Office.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

SUNDAY: $5 OFF tickets, Merchandise discount with ‘Say Yes’ Dorm Room Drive Donations

Senator Tim Kennedy (D-Buffalo) joined representatives from Say Yes Buffalo, the Buffalo Bisons, and local community leaders at Coca-Cola Field Friday to announce a new partnership designed to equip Buffalo’s neediest scholars with necessities to succeed as they pursue higher education. As part of the Bisons’ Sunday afternoon game against Louisville fans are encouraged to bring school supplies to donate to Say Yes’ Dorm Room Drive; for every donation made, attendees will receive $5 off each ticket purchased, along with a voucher for 20% off merchandise in either of the two Bisons gift shops.

The Bisons game against the Louisville Bats will begin at 1:05 p.m. on Sunday. Fans wishing to make a Say Yes donation can do so starting at 11:30 a.m. outside the ticket office.

Kennedy partnered with Say Yes to launch the drive in 2016 after learning that despite receiving free access to higher education, many Say Yes scholars can’t sustain enrollment due to a lack of tools needed to succeed, including school supplies, bedding, and other basic toiletries. According to Say Yes, approximately 50% of scholars have a combined family income below $25,000, and 70% are below $55,000, leaving many facing extreme poverty. Kennedy, Say Yes, and the Buffalo Bisons are hopeful Sunday’s gameday drive will help send scholars into their first semesters fully prepared.

“Say Yes has been a fantastic advocate for the students of Buffalo who do not have the means to attain a higher education. Last year, our Dorm Room Drive was met with an incredible response from the community, with hundreds of people stepping up to help our students who need it most. I’m thrilled that the Buffalo Bisons have joined our drive this year, demonstrating once again their commitment to Buffalo’s youth,” said Senator Kennedy. “The City of Good Neighbors has lived up to its name time and time again, and when it comes to supporting our students, I know this drive will be no different. Please come out and enjoy a great game of baseball with family and friends this weekend, and know that your donation will go a long way towards helping Buffalo’s next generation succeed.”

“The Bisons organization is proud to support the vital work that Say Yes Buffalo is doing to keep the future bright for so many young scholars in our area. Bisons fans have always stepped to the plate when it comes to giving back to the community and we’re looking forward to a fantastic afternoon at Coca-Cola Field on Sunday,” said Mike Buczkowski, Vice President/General Manager of the Buffalo Bisons.

“We are grateful for Senator Kennedy’s leadership in mobilizing our community to respond to the needs of our scholars,” said David Rust, Say Yes Buffalo Executive Director. “The needs of our students go beyond tuition and we are thankful to everyone who participates and donates to this drive.”

“I applaud the efforts of Mayor Brown, Senator Kennedy, Say Yes to Education and the Buffalo Bisons. They recognized an existing gap with our scholars as it relates to room and board, toiletries, and other personal items and are working to eliminate it. While unable to physically be there today, I am very supportive of this drive and have a donation collection basket outside of my office. Thank you to our sponsors and congratulations to our students,” said Assemblywoman Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes.

The Dorm Room Drive is currently underway across WNY, and extends beyond school supplies. A full list of the type of essentials needed is included below:

Laundry Kit – Laundry soap, hangers, fabric softener, laundry bag, and laundry basket.

Personal Care Kit – Shampoo, conditioner, razors, shaving cream, soap, brush, towels, washcloths, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shower shoes, and shower caddy.

Dorm Room Bedding Kit – Bed in a Bag set (for a male or female) that includes fitted sheet, flat sheet, comforter, and pillowcases plus a mattress cover and pillow. Please note: sheet size must be Twin XL to fit a standard dorm room mattress.

School Supplies Kit – Pens, pencils, notebooks, folders, binders, USB cord adapters, printer paper, index cards, post-it notes, dividers, and a heavy-duty backpack.

Donations can also be dropped off at the following locations:

· Senator Tim Kennedy’s Office – 2239 South Park Ave.
· Say Yes Buffalo’s Office – 712 Main St.
· City Hall (Lobby & Basement) – 65 Niagara Square.
· Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples-Stokes’ Office – Compass East Building Lobby 425 Michigan Ave.
· Senator Chris Jacobs‘ Office – 65 Court Street, Rm 213
· Erie County Legislator Barbara Miller-Williams’ Office – 427 William St.
· North Buffalo Community Center – 203 Sanders Rd.
· Rich Products Corporation – 1 Robert Rich Way
· Larkin Square, Main Lobby – 726 Exchange St.
· CAO: Masten Resource Center – 1423 Fillmore Ave.
· Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo – 726 Exchange St.
· Buffalo Urban League – 15 Genessee St.
· Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church – 400 Northampton St.
· St. Paul’s, Clarence – 4275 Harris Hill Rd., Williamsville
· Cazenovia Neighborhood Library – 155 Cazenovia St.
· Child & Family Services – 844 Delaware Ave.
· The Resource Council of WNY – 347 E. Ferry St.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Saturday’s ‘Strike Out Cancer Night’ includes FREE TICKETS to all survivors

There are heroes all around us….fighters and survivors who have taken on cancer and won! There are also those that lost their battles…taken from us too soon, but with permanent places in our hearts and our memories.

On Saturday, July 29, the Bisons will honors those heroes that have won their battles and remember those that didn’t. As the team hosts the Louisville Bats (7:05 p.m.) at Coca-Cola Field, we ask your help to STRIKE OUT CANCER, presented by WNY Imaging Group with proceeds benefiting the Breast Cancer Network of WNY and the American Cancer Society.

CLICK HERE FOR GAME TICKETS

On STRIKE OUT CANCER night, we will honor ALL CANCER SURVIVORS with a FREE TICKET to the game. Just CLICK HERE by the end of the day on Friday, July 28 to register for your free ticket. One survivor will also be chosen at random to throw out the first pitch on Strike Out Cancer Night.

On Saturday, we will also encourage all fans to WEAR LAVENDER in support of the fight against all cancers. Anyone who does will receive a FREE RAFFLE TICKET for one of a number of great gift items. Additional raffle tickets will be available at the game. You could win one of over 50 gift cards or a great piece of sports memorabilia such as a signed Rasmus Ristolainen stick, a signed Marcell Dareus helmet or a Jim Kelly signed photo and book.

We’ll also honor all of the brave men, women and children who have fought, or are currently fighting against all forms of cancer, with a PLACARD MOMENT during the game. The entire ballpark will have the chance to stand up and show us who they’re fighting for by writing that person’s name on the placard.

CLICK HERE for even more information on Strike Out Cancer Night.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

LIMITED SPOTS REMAIN: 2-Day Youth Camp

Want to take your game to the next level and develop the skills that may one day make you a member of the Herd?

The Buffalo Bisons annual 2-Day Youth Baseball Camp, presented by ADPRO Sports, is Tuesday, July 25 – Wednesday, July 26 (9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. both day). CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.

This two-day event gives you the unique chance to learn and practice your skills in hitting, fielding, pitching, catching, base running and bunting and more! And who better to learn from than Bisons Manager Bobby Meacham and other current Bisons coaches and players?!?!

For only $100, you get back-to-back days of non-stop baseball! The camp runs from 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. both days as each day will end with a post-camp autograph session. Participants also get a camp T-shirt to take home and 2 tickets to a Buffalo Bisons game. This is an offer you can’t pass up!

The Buffalo Bisons 2-day Youth Camp is open to boys and girls, ages 6-14. Space is limited so don’t hesitate in signing up. You can call (716) 846-2251 to reserve your spot or CLICK HERE for the Bisons Youth Baseball page.

To insure great one-on-one teachings for those involved, SPACE IS LIMITED! So don’t wait and sign up your child today!

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

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MONDAY: Bisons to hold ‘Food Drive’ in honor of National Baked Beans Month

Fans, did you know July is National Baked Beans month? As part of National Baked Beans Month, the Bisons are teaming up with Bush’s Beans and the Food Bank of Western New York to help strike out hunger.

Prior to the Herd’s game against the Durham Bulls on Monday, July 24 (7:05 p.m.), the Bisons will be holding a Food Drive to help feed those in need in the local community.

Fans can bring their non-perishable food items to the collection bins located outside of the Coca-Cola Field Ticket Office. In return for their much-needed donations, fans will be given a coupon for Buy-One, Get-One Free Ticket coupon for Monday’s game between the Bisons and the Bulls!

The Food Bank of Western New York was founded in 1979, after a group of religious and community leaders came together to develop an effective and comprehensive way to fight hunger in the region. Today, they assist as many as 129,000 individuals in a month through our 329 member agencies, including food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, youth programs, group homes and senior centers.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

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Bisons to hold Hillside School Supply Drive before game on Sunday, August 6

The Buffalo Bisons and Hillside Family of Agencies will be teaming up to help kids in need bring in the new school year the right way with a School Supply Drive at Coca-Cola Field on Sunday, August 6.

Any fan who brings in new or unused school supplies will receive a buy-one, get-one free ticket coupon for the Bisons’ home game that day against the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (1:05 p.m.). Collection bins will be located outside the Coca-Cola Field Ticket Office starting an hour before first pitch.

Sunday’s matchup against the IronPigs will also be another Buster’s Kid Club game. As part of Buster’s Kid Club Sunday, fans will be able to enjoy Carnival Day at the ballpark. Bounce houses, face painting, balloon animals and much more will be set up in the Center Field Party Area.

Kids will also have the opportunity to run the bases after the game like their favorite Bisons players.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

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All Star Auctions: Leblebijian game-worn jersey

Bisons fans! You voted third baseman Jason Leblebijian into the Triple-A All-Star Game and now is your chance to click your way towards some great All-Star Game memorabilia.

The Tacoma Rainiers, the Pacific Coast League hosts for this year’s mid-summer classic, is auctioning off all the game-worn jerseys from this game to benefit a very worthy cause. That includes the one-of-a-kind game-worn, autographed jersey from starting third baseman, Bisons’ Jason Leblebijian.

CLICK HERE to bid on Leb’s jersey

CLICK HERE to view all the jerseys available from the IL and PCL All-Star squads.

The 2017 Triple-A All-Star Game, presented by Gildan, is on Wednesday, July 12 at Cheney Stadium in Tacoma, WA. (9:05 p.m., MLB Network, ESPN 1520 AM). The jerseys from the game will be autographed by each player from both leagues and auctioned via silent auction to benefit the CHI Franciscan Foundation. The mission of the Franciscan Foundation is to support the CHI Franciscan Health system in creating healthier communities and ensuring the availability of quality health care for all, regardless of ability to pay.

All auctions will run until 9pm Pacific Standard time on Wednesday, July 12, so BID NOW and win yourself a great piece of all star memorabilia.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Wings of Hope event set for Aug. 13

Rochester Community Baseball, the Rochester Red Wings, Sharing Kindness, Inc., and Villa of Hope held a press conference to announce a new initiative, “Wings of Hope” to raise awareness of suicide risk factors, suicide prevention and community resources for treatment. A special day at the ballpark has been scheduled for Sunday, August 13.

Dan Mason, General Manager of the Rochester Red Wings and Villa of Hope President and CEO, Christina Gullo was joined on May 24 by Red Wings players Jason Wheeler, John Ryan Murphy, D.J. Baxendale, ByungHo Park, Trevor Hildenberger, and Alan Busenitz. Wheeler spoke on behalf of his teammates and shared his experience demonstrating the importance of this partnership.

Jason Wheeler and his family know the effect suicide has on a family, “Mental illness and suicide have personally affected me and my family. We lost my 16 year-old brother-in-law Jeremy, almost eight months ago. Since this tragedy, we have been astonished at not only how common mental illness and suicide are, but also how unable we are as a society to speak about them because of the strong stigma associated with these issues. As a family, we are working towards eliminating stigma surrounding suicide, and changing the perception in our communities that mental illness is different from any other illness. We feel very fortunate to be partnering with the Red Wings and Villa of Hope to help raise mental health awareness, improve education, and start an ongoing conversation about suicide, both in the Rochester community and nationwide.”

Dan Mason, General Manager of the Rochester Red Wings shares, “We are fortunate to have great players on our team but even more fortunate that these young men are outstanding citizens who want to make a difference in the lives of other people. It is atypical for a minor league baseball player to sponsor a promotion for his team and we are thrilled that Jason is partnering with us and our friends at the Villa of Hope to help raise awareness and funds for suicide prevention and mental health. This is a very personal matter for he and his family and everyone at Rochester Community Baseball applauds and supports him for using his status as a professional baseball player to raise awareness and funding for such an important topic in our society today. ”

Five months ago, Villa of Hope moved into its new, larger Behavioral Health (Mental Health and Chemical Dependency) Outpatient Clinic at Water Tower Park in response to the rapidly growing need in the Rochester area. Christina Gullo, President and CEO of Villa of Hope states, “Twelve percent of children under the age of 18 have considered suicide in the past year and seven percent attempted it. S uicide is the second leading cause of death for young people ages 15 to 24. As a community we need to have the resources for parents and kids to find help before these become life-altering or life-threatening events.”

Special Red Wings jerseys, hats, socks and Minnesota Twins collectibles will be available for auction at the Sunday, August 13th game at 1:35 p.m. All proceeds of the auction will benefit Villa of Hope and Sharing Kindness, Inc. That game is a designated “Kids Club Day” and will include sports entertainer “BirdZerk!” and a chance for kids to run the bases with Spikes and Mittsy after the game.

About Sharing Kindess

Sharing Kindness is a newly-formed non-profit, started by the Walters family after the death by suicide of their 16 year old son Jeremy, in October of 2016. It is dedicated to overcoming the stigma surrounding mental illness, depression and suicide. Sharing Kindness is about having the courage and compassion to start and sustain the conversation in our communities about these issues that have traditionally been so difficult to talk about. We are currently developing and helping fund various awareness and education programs in the lower and outer towns of Cape Cod, MA, an area plagued with higher than average rates of suicide, with special focus on our schools.

About Villa of Hope

Through a network of high quality programs and services, Villa of Hope specializes in helping at-risk youth overcome emotional and behavioral challenges and build lifelong strengths. The Villa’s community-based, residential and educational programs address mental health needs, trauma-informed care, life-skills development, and chemical dependency. Founded in 1942, today Villa of Hope serves more than 3,000 young people and their families annually.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.